Intelligent Automation, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF191-031

Description

U.S. Air Force (USAF) aircraft undergo Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) at regular intervals multiple times throughout their service life, and the duration of PDM has a significant effect on lifecycle maintenance costs and USAF fleet operational availability. At various stages during PDM, Jack-to-Jig operations are performed to alleviate stresses and loads on certain parts of an aircraft before performing various repairs. The jacking process is time consuming and tedious, as it requires frequent measurement of numerous survey points around the aircraft to ensure the aircraft is level throughout the operation. The USAF desires a precise elevation measurement system that can increase accuracy to ±0.02ʺ, lower labor costs, and increase PDM production rates while maintaining aircraft and personnel safety. To address these needs, Intelligent Automation, Inc. is collaborating with Automated Precision, Inc. to develop the Fast Accurate Safe Technology for Jack to Jig (FastJack) system. The proposed system is built around a highly accurate laser-based measurement product developed by API called Radian, a laser tracker that measures 3D position of a retroreflector target. FastJack will automate the measurement process during jack-to-jig operations so that it is fast, accurate, and requires minimum human involvement.